The modern trombone has not changed much since its invention. It has 9 feet of tubing and a cylindrical bore. There are seven playing positions of the slide. The slide is made from one tube tightly fitted over another.

There are two kinds of trombones. The tenor member is just called the trombone. The other is the bass trombone. The trombone is the one used in orchestras unless a lower sound is needed. The tone produced is rich and mellow.

Sound is produced by the player holding his lips tightly against a specially shaped mouthpiece. The lips vibrate when air is forced through them. This sets the air column in motion. The brass tube acts as a resonator.

Notes are produced by changing the length of the tubing. This is accomplished by changing the position of the slide. Higher pitches are achieved by changing the pressure of the breath.